The selectboards of Dover, Wilmington, and Whitingham agreed, at a joint meeting, to work together on the creation of a regional economic development plan. The proposal by the “Tritown Economic Development Committee” included data collection and analysis to guide region-specific goals and objectives and the creation of a long-term plan.

Haystack owner Bob Foisie told the Act 250 regional commission that work on the development was moving forward again, although at a snail’s pace. Work on the project came to a halt in January 2007, only a few months after officially breaking ground.

15 years ago:

Wilmington Middle High School’s alternative education program, located in the Heritage building in the village, was off to a successful start. The program provided educational services to students who, in many cases, had been receiving special education in private programs. The new WMHS program served students’ needs at a lower cost, closer to home, and also integrated students into classes at WMHS, just a short walk away.

The Wilmington School Board was preparing to move ahead with a facilities-based Act 60 suit against the state. The board’s attorney recommended the course of action after consulting with Brigham attorney Robert Gensburg.

The owner of a Wilmington-based computer company, GenBase Technologies, was under fire from customers with allegations of consumer fraud. One customer, who paid for a new custom-built computer, discovered that she had received used components.

Despite numerous failed attempts to convince Wilmington residents to support a bypass around the village, the Vermont Agency of Transportation was working on a study for a draft environmental impact statement on bypass options.

25 years ago:

The Wardsboro Library sponsored its first soapbox derby. The young racers lined up at the top of the hill for the race down School Road. The winner, Crystal Joslin, said she “got a little nervous” at the start of the race, but told herself that if she wanted to win, she had to try.

Traffic on Route 100 in Dover came to a standstill after a Grampy’s truck hauling a full load of soda spilled its cargo near Fernot’s garage.

A two-hour foliage cruise on Capt. Dick Joyce’s Mt. Mills, a benefit event for Deerfield Valley Rescue, was $10, and included food and beverages.

30 years ago:

Local residents sounded off at a Vermont Agency of Transportation public forum in Wilmington. People were concerned about safety issues on Route 9, and suggested that the state’s ambivalence about conducting major work on the route stemmed from Wilmington’s rejection of a proposed bypass. Rep. Dave Larsen noted that several proposed Route 9 projects had been altered, postponed or deleted in the previous three years.

Dover resident Rudy Veraguth, a native of Flims, Switzerland, said he liked Dover because it reminds him of Switzerland.

Richard Knapp, of Wilmington, said he’d move to Tahiti if he won a million-dollar lottery.

35 years ago:

The Vermont Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women voted unanimously to support the passage of a state equal rights amendment. According to committee members, Gov. Richard Snelling planned to recommend that the Legislature pass an ERA bill.

The 1981-1982 ski season was a record year, according to state figures. Statewide, skier visits were estimated at four million, 29% above the previous year. The average out-of-state visitor spent about $58 per day and stayed an average of 3.5 days.

40 years ago:

Wilmington pharmacist Ralph Howe, a partner in Parmelee and Howe, was awarded the “Bowl of Hygeia” by the Vermont Pharmaceutical Association. The annual award is given for outstanding community service, and Howe served the town and the community in a number of roles.

45 years ago:

Legendary pro golfer Gene Sarazen “hit a few balls and gave out some pointers” at the opening of Haystack Golf Course.

Wilmington officials were “enraged and astonished” when they received a letter from the Vermont Highway Commissioner informing them that there were no plans to build a bypass. Wilmington representatives were on record as favoring a bypass, and Rep. Kenalene Collins, of Readsboro, had recently told selectboard members that $5.3 million could be spent on a bypass from 1977 to 1979 if residents were in favor. The commissioner said the project was withdrawn from consideration as the result of a hearing in Wilmington.

Palisades School, on Stowe Hill in Wilmington, named Claude D. Price, of Dover, as their new director, and Paul Leonetti, of Wilmington, as head teacher.

Comment Policy

In an effort to promote reasoned discussion, transparency, and integrity in online commenting, The Deerfield Valley News requires anyone posting comments to identify themselves using their real name. Anonymous commenting will not be allowed. All comments will be subject to approval before posting, and may take up to 24 hours for approval to be granted.

We encourage civil discourse among readers, and ask that they be willing to stand behind their identities and their comments. No personal harassment or hate speech will be tolerated. Please be succinct and to the point. For longer comments, please consider submitting a letter to the editor instead. It will appear in both the print and online editions.

All comments will be reviewed, and we reserve the right to reject, edit or remove any comment for any reason. For questions or to express concerns feel free to contact our office at (802) 464-3388.